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Spilborghs hurts left oblique Tuesday

Spilborghs hurts left oblique Tuesday

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By Dave Fultz
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MLB.com |

MILWAUKEE -- Ryan Spilborghs left the Rockies' Tuesday night game against the Brewers with a left oblique strain. He was lifted for a pinch-runner in the sixth inning after rounding second base and running to third on a double by catcher Yorvit Torrealba.

Spilborghs' injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Rockies.

The Brewers were leading, 4-1, and Spilborghs was at first base when Torrealba scorched a bases-loaded double into the right-field corner that would have cleared the bases, tying the game for Colorado, but the outfielder had to pull up at third when he felt the sharp pain in his side.

"I felt like I got shot between first and second," Spilborghs said. "I was looking for someone to tag, so they could keep running for me, maybe pass the baton or something. That was miserable, I think it hurt more that I couldn't score and get the game tied."

Seth Smith, who was sent down to Triple-A on Tuesday to make room for infielder Jayson Nix, may be the best option to replace Spilborghs, for the time being.

Hurdle wouldn't tip his hand, but he did say that the team would have to make a move before Wednesday's game.

"We will need to have a player here tomorrow," Hurdle said. "I can't go two players short on the bench, that would be an extreme. We are going to talk about our options tonight and tomorrow morning."

Dave Fultz is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.